Modern Architecture Since 1900 / Edition 3

by William J R Curtis

Overview

Since its first publication in 1982, Modern Architecture Since 1900 has become established as a contemporary classic. Worldwide in scope, it combines a clear historical outline with masterly analysis and interpretation. Technical, economic, social and intellectual developments are brought together in a comprehensive narrative which provides a setting for the detailed examination of buildings. Throughout the book the author's focus is on the individual architect, and on the qualities that give outstanding buildings their lasting value.

For the third edition, the text has been radically revised and expanded, incorporating much new material and a fresh appreciation of regional identity and variety. Seven chapters are entirely new, including expanded coverage of recent world architecture.

Described by James Ackerman of Harvard University as 'immeasurably the finest work covering this field in existence', this book presents a penetrating analysis of the modern tradition and its origins, tracing the creative interaction between old and new that has generated such an astonishing richness of architectural forms across the world and throughout the century.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780714833569
Publisher:	Phaidon Press
Publication date:	06/27/1996
Edition description:	3rd Revised ed.
Pages:	736
Product dimensions:	8.37(w) x 9.62(h) x 1.87(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

William Curtis has won worldwide acclaim for his architectural writing. His books include Le Corbusier: Ideas and Forms and Denys Lasdun, both published by Phaidon.

Editorial Reviews

Curtis's expansive and exhaustive look at the greatest architecture of the last century is widely considered a seminal architecture work. Effectively placing the century's major movements and most important masters in historical context, Curtis allows us to see not only where we've been but where we're going.

barneandnoble.com

This third edition of the 1982 original has been greatly revisedseven additional chaptersto reflect new developments since its initial release. The volume's well-detailed text is buttressed with 650 color and black-and-white illustrations. This should be a standard volume in all architecture collections.

Library Journal

Now established as the standard work on 20th-century architecture, this text combines a general outline of the growth of a modern tradition with analysis and interpretation of individual buildings. The author blends practical, aesthetic, and social dimensions while emphasizing the formal and symbolic aspects of the art. Three of seven new chapters are included at the end of a section on recent world developments, placing contemporary architecture in a historical and cultural perspective. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

'A beautiful book, with a readable type and a host of superb illustrations, many of which are in colour. It would be no hyperbole to give the highest praise to those responsible for the design and layout of the volume.' (Environments by Design)

'A superb text for any course on modern architecture…can provide the student of architecture with the means to accomplish his most arduous task: to see.' (Skyline)

'As close to a definitive guide to the architecture of our century as we yet have.' (The Sunday Times)

'Well established as the standard work on twentieth-century architecture, the new edition of this book has a fresh appreciation of the range and complexity of modern architecture…This will become an essential textbook.' (Jury of the American Institute of Architects)

'The book is excellent value.' (Architects' Journal)

'A book of this length and depth is an unimaginable achievement…each chapter opens with an excellent essay laying out the main theoretical and historical issues. Despite his immense knowledge he does not talk down to his audience; instead his enthusiasm is infectious…It is delightful to see social housing alongside public and private buildings and to see nationalist and post-war architecture reviewed…it is definitely worth having. Colour pictures are numerous and there are plenty you have not seen before.' (Building Design)

'This should be a standard volume in all architecture collections.' (Library Journal)

'Comprehensive, up-to-date and very readable.' (Sunday Telegraph)

'Probably the most complete handbook now available, will find its way on to the required reading list for all students of architecture and the history of art.' (Archis)

'The clearest and most authentic survey to appear in English. After the tortuous style-filled books of the last 20 or so years, which have pompously posed as significant reading, Curtis’s perspective reads as a brief of fresh air. Essential reading, indeed breath-taking reading for professionals, students, and intelligent lay-persons. I could not put it down…Neither should you!' (Architecture New Zealand)

'Now established as the standard work on 20th-century architecture.' (Reference & Research Book News)

From the Publisher